Just 15 kms from the tourist hub of Digha is the serene village of Kharibil in Balasore District of Odisha. Here, the majestic Subarnarekha River meets the sea and creates a mangrove forest covering 563 Ha along the coast of Bay of Bengal. This marine eco-system harbours a unique congregation of marine plants, fish, animals and birds which are rare to be found anywhere else. The daily rise and fall of the tide has created a mud flat rich in mangrove forests which gives way to a placid silvery sand beach that can only be reached in a boat during high tide. Amidst all this,...

Baradih Village is not just any upcoming weekend destination near Kolkata. Here, River Kansabati merges from the distant hills cloaked in deep lush forests and meanders past you while you wait in the balcony of your cottage to catch a glimpse of the setting sun over the ancient jungles. Soon, the sky turns crimson and the birds start their homeward journey – everything here is surreal – seems like the work of a master painter. At Baradih Village, you can escape time and space and embark on your journey to self-realisation. BOOKING DETAILS OF BARADIH Places to...

Burraghutu is a remote village on a hilltop with a spectacular view of the Kansabati River basin. Tucked within a forest in Bankura, this tribal village is straight from the pages of any adventure novel. The Kansabati River Basin is dotted with small islands and few of them are designated wildlife parks, where you can find deer roaming freely. While staying here, you can explore the nearby tribal villages famous for terracotta and Dokra artworks and visit the ruins of ancient Jain temples. Boating in Kansabati River and day trips to the deep dark forests of Kuilapal are...

Standing 800 feet tall, Joychandi Pahar stands proudly on the open plains of Purulia. A flight of 520 steps snaking around the boulders and ancient watchtowers would take you to the temple of Mata Chandi atop the hill. You will get a panoramic view of the parched landscape of Purulia dotted with lakes from this windy hilltop. Apart from the temple, surrounding lakes and the fascinating natural monolithic structure of the hill, you can also visit the cave, Raghunathpur Silk Factories and the spot where the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray shot parts of the famous...

There are few places on earth where you get a chance to find yourself – Shankarda is one of them. A four-hour journey from Kolkata to Tatanagar and another 15 kms on the dark snaking roads through tribal villages and paddy fields will take you to this little known village of Shankarda in Jharkhand. Surrounded by lush Narwa and Dalma Hills and crisscrossed by tributaries of Subarnarekha River, this picturesque village boasts of a fascinating eco resort, where your children get a chance to pick vegetables from kitchen gardens and run around in swaying paddy fields....

Sited on the eastern side of the Bhagirathi River, approximately 201 kms north of Kolkata is the city of Baharampur. The etymology of the place is derived from the word ‘Brahmapur’, as it was once predominantly occupied by Brahmin families. The administrative headquarters of the Murshidabad district is located here. During the Golden Age of Bengal, Baharampur (Beharampur) was a thriving cosmopolitan city with a vibrant colonial presence. The city served as the first Head Quarter of the East India Company. Gradually, several other European colonial forces also moved here,...

Bada Sahib, Memsaab, bungalows, pastries, village churches and memories of everything that brings back the days of the British Raaj can still be traced in McCluskieganj – lovingly called “Chota England” in the past. The little snaking Dugadugi rivulet, churches hidden amongst trees, a picturesque railway station, hills on the horizon, rundown grand British bungalows with their red roofs and rose gardens make McCluskiegunj an ideal weekend spot for time – travellers. The pleasant weather, the untainted nature and the flavour of the colonial past...

If you want to spend an idle weekend on a riverside watching the boats pass before you, people waiting for hours to catch the ferry and mesmerizing sunsets over Rupnarayan then drop at Geonkhali, where time slows down a bit. Located almost 130 km from Kolkata, Geonkhali is nestled at the confluence of River Rupnarayan, River Damodar and River Ganges. At Geonkhali, the rivers become extremely wide and appear like the sea – the view is truly breathtaking. The riverfront is flanked with a green wilderness of babala, sirish, akashmoni and mango trees. You can catch...

Netarhat in Jharkhand is one of the most beautiful weekend getaways, nestled on Chhotanagpur plateau. Covered with thick emerald forest, lush hillocks and barren rocks, it is aptly called the “Queen of Chhotanagpur.” Located at an elevation of 3,700 feet above sea level, Netarhat is truly refreshing during summer with its cool bracing breeze. The breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset that one can savor from the hills and viewpoints of Netarhaat is truly adorable. Netarhat was one of the favorite getaways of the British and the pear orchards, manicured gardens,...

Cradled on the southern bank of the river Ganges, the picturesque town of Sahibganj or Sahebganj located in the northeastern region of Rajmahal subdivision of Jharkhand is a place where time has stopped. The town is valued by the tourists for its historical significance. From the notes of Megasthenes to the decisive battle of Sher Shah and Humayun and finally to the Santhal Rebellion of 1855 and Freedom of India, Sahibganj has played a very important role throughout. Here erstwhile palaces of royals and riches are littered everywhere and the landscape boasts of twin...

This weekend if you are looking ahead to some soul searching then make a trip to Deoghar, one of the most revered religious centers in India. It’s the best place for understanding religion and culture in its simplest forms. Deoghar literally means “the abode of gods” but it is not only temples, ashrams, gods and immortality here, Deoghar is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations endowed with hills, rivulets, serene lakes, forests and colonial buildings of Zamindars and Seths. Though a popular destination to tourists from Kolkata and nearby cities, Deoghar still...

The picturesque town of Ranchi nestled in the Chota Nagpur Plateau is endowed with abundance of hills, lakes, waterfalls, forests and religious destinations. Covered with emerald hilly areas, barren rocks and lush green valleys, Ranchi is often called the ‘city of waterfalls’ for the number gushing cascades you can visit from here. You can make Ranchi your hub and visit nearby destinations like Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls and Dasham Falls. Ranchi is the present capital of Jharkhand state in India. The term Ranchi has been derived from a local word “Archi,” which means...

Giridih, a very old and pristine small town nestled in the central part of Jharkhand attracts lots of visitors, particularly from West Bengal. In Giridi there are age-old temples, meandering rivers and quaint tribal villages. It is one of the most popular Jain pilgrimages and if you are an adventure seeker then Giridih offers opportunities like rock-climbing, kayaking, parasailing and boating. The beautiful lake of Khandoli is visited by migratory birds and the nearby Parasnath Hill – the highest hill in Jharkhand helps to savor the magnificent panoramic views of...

Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary, popularly known as Kulik Bird sanctuary is no less than heaven to the bird watchers. This haven of a huge variety of birds is located near Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal. The sanctuary offers shelter to almost 164 species of birds and every year around 70,000 to 80,000 migratory birds visit the sanctuary. The sanctuary spanning an area of 1.30 sq km is often claimed as the second largest bird sanctuary across Asia. The Kulik Bird sanctuary has the shape of the English alphabet “U” and is connected with the River...

Ashanboni is a stopover town located just 17 km from Jamshedhpur at the foot of Dolma Hills. This unspoiled destination nestled amidst green mountains, hills, rivers and streams attract lots of tourists. You will truly fall under the spell of the breathtaking natural beauty of the location. You can also reach the peak of Dolma Hill just 9 kms away. Ranchi is around 120 kms from Ashanboni. Other nearby attractions include Dimna Lake, Jubilee Park and Chandil Dam. BOOKING DETAILS OF ASHANBONI Places to see in Ashanboni: Ashanboni is admired with a number of sightseeing...

Bounded by Purulia and River Damodar on both sides – Biharinath in Bankura, near the famous Joychandi Hills is the highest hill of Bankura District. The hill boasts of a towering height of 451 meters and has gained considerable recognition as a popular tourist destination in the recent years. Covered in thick forests, the place blooms with the shades of Kash Phool, Shimul and Palash during the seasons. The villagers here deck their mud homes with Alpona and you can catch a glimpse of the wild boar, hare, fox and some unknown colourful birds when they cross your path....

Surrounded by hills and drenched in history and myth Rajgir is a 3000 year-old city still holding strong to its roots. Here, Lord Buddha stayed and preached and even initiated the mighty king Bimbisara whereas Lord Mahavira spent fourteen years of his life preaching in Rajgir. World travellers like Hiuen Tsang (650 BC) and Fa-Hein (400 BC) visited Rajgir and meticulously recorded its daily life and people. Rajgir is even older than history – still today believers visit a dilapidated wrestling ring where the Pandava prince Bheema, is said to have fought and killed...

Very different from the rest of the temple towns in India, Bodh gaya is very clean, hassle free, safe and beautiful. Waking up to the early calls of the Buddhist prayers, visiting the 2200 year-old Mahabodi Temple beside the Bodhi tree and watching the thousands of Butter lamps flickering in the wind can be the best stress-buster of your life. Being one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Buddhists throughout the world, this little town buzzes with believers of peace and harmony. Bodhgaya is the site where supreme Enlightenment was attained by Gautama Buddha...

If you are historically inclined, then the city of Gour, drenched with history, is your ideal holiday destination. Nestled near the west bank of River Ganges, this historical city is situated around 40 km. downstream from Rajmahal, in the district of Malda of West Bengal. The location is dotted with a number of archaeological sites and historical places, admired with splendid architectures. Though most of the architectural splendors have been reduced to remnants, but still the city of Gour holds some aura, which attracts tourists from far and near. BOOKING DETAILS OF GOUR...

Susunia Hills in Bankura District is a very good place for a weekend with friends but if you want to take some time out from your hectic schedule and want to spend some moments of your own, then Susunia is enchanting. If you love nature and want to explore its beauty, then come to Susunia and witness its unspoiled nature. Located right in the middle of Bankura is this 1500 feet high hill. It is often believed that Raja Chandra Varma had once built his fort on this hill. With plenty of natural beauty in the form of cascading waterfalls, plenty of greenery and river...

Chandipur is an exquisite, secluded seaside retreat featuring a unique beach. This quaint sea resort is located in the Baleswar District of Orissa. You can experience a great weekend at this seaside resort on Bay of Bengal. BOOKING DETAILS OF CHANDIPUR Places to see in Chandipur: The major attraction of Chandipur is the beach itself. The beach is one of it kind for at the time of the ebb tide, the seawater recedes from 1 km. to 5 km. and it again returns during the high tide. This phenomenon takes place twice a day, which forms wide stretch of silvery sandy beach. This...

The Chilka lake is a brackish water lagoon, acknowledged as the largest coastal lagoon across India and the second largest lagoon around the globe. The lake extends over Puri, Ganjam and Khurda districts of Orissa. The lake is an abode to a number of migratory birds coming from Russia, Ladakh and many more far off places and offers shelter to an array of endangered species of flora and fauna. So you can well understand that a trip to such an exotic location will always surpass your expectation. BOOKING DETAILS OF CHILKA Places to see in Chilka: You will undoubtedly...

Though Mandal Pushkarini is not a highly famed weekend destination, but a visit to the place is truly rewarding. Mandal Pushkarini is located in Garbeta, West Medinipur. It is a huge pond located in a forest of Sal and Teak. While, staying at Mondal Pushkarini you can visit the nearby destinations of Garbeta like Sarbamangala temple, Raikota fort, Mangala Lake, Radhaballav temple, Gongoni gorge and Silaboti River. The famous terracotta temple town of Bishnupur is only 20 kms from here. Your stay at Mandal Pushkarini amidst nature will surely rejuvenate you senses. BOOK...

Maharajpur is a less popular small village nestled at the Bengal – Jharkhand border, is an ideal destination for a weekend trip. This is where time has stopped – you can still board a tanga here and visit the erstwhile palaces of the Maharajas to see a few Mughal era paintings and you can take a dip in a non perennial pool fed by and underground stream. Boasting of an unspoiled natural beauty, a waterfall and the River Ganges nearby – the place truly offers visual and sensual pleasure to the tourists. It is located around 9 km. east of Sahibganj district...

The village of Monglajori or Monglajodi is located about 60 km. southwest of the city of Bhubaneshwar off NH5 and 4 km. southeast of the Tangi town. It is located in the Khurda district of Orissa. The region is primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the northeastern fringe of the Chilka Lake. This wetland of Monglajori is fed by a number of channels that cross through the reed beds along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake. The area is covered with sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The prime channel flows...

The term Hazaribagh literally means a place admired with thousands gardens. The district is situated on the Chota Nagpur plateau of Jharkhand. You will be amazed by viewing the scenic natural beauty of the destination, nestled amidst lush green dense forest, enriched with exotic flora and fauna. BOOK YOUR TRIP TO HAZARIBAGH Places to see in Hazaribag: Popularly known as a health resort, Hazaribag is dotted with a number of tourist attractions. The Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the low hilly region is worth visiting. The site spans an area of over 184 sq. km....

Rashikbill or Rasikbill is a huge lake located in the town of Tufangang in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal. It is a very popular bird watching spot famous for local and migratory birds. It falls on the way to Kamakshyaguri from Alipurduar by train. Rasikbeel is 74 kilometers from Alipurduar by high road. Rashikbill boasts about a jumble of wild flora and fauna. Located around a large lake spreading over 175 hectares area, Rashikbill Lake is surrounded by three dark and dense forests – Nagurhaat, Atasmochar and Bochamari. They are separated by Batikata a small...

If you want to live in seclusion, amidst the tranquil and scenic natural ambience, then this quaint village of Panchalingeswar, is your ideal weekend getaway. Panchalingeswar is located in the hilly areas of Balasore district in Orissa. The sheer serenity of the location is a great stress buster for the tourists. BOOK YOUR TRIP TO PANCHALINGESWAR Places to see in Panchalingeswar: Tourists are primarily attracted to the village of Panchalingeswar to visit the Panchalingeswar Temple, which is the shrine of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on a hilltop near the Nilagiri...

Visit Gahirmatha also known as Gaharimatha if you want to see Olive Ridley Sea Turtles during your next weekend holiday. The Gahirmatha coast nestled in the Kendrapara district of Orissa will be your ideal destination because it is the world’s largest nesting beach of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Declared as a wildlife sanctuary of Orissa in 1979 and a world heritage site, Gahirmatha bears considerable significance on turtle conservation. BOOKING DETAILS OF GAHIRMATHA Places to see in Gahirmatha: The breathtaking view of the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, located on...

Kuldiha Forest covers a total area of 282 square kilometers. It is a dense forest mostly covered with thick growth of sishu, sal, piyasal, mango, bahera, jam and simul trees that make it the perfect home to a wide number of animals like wild cats, elephants, long tailed monkeys, cheetals, gaur, leopard, giant squirrel as well as some bird species like peafowl, hill myna and hornbill. Kuldiha is located in Balasore district and is known for supporting wide varieties of reptiles too. The Kuldiha forest area merges into the Similipal Forest through the Nato hill and...